These ratings are not about how clean a place is, it is about how closely they abide by the regulations. You can and do get restaurants and takeaways that are absolutely spotless yet because their records aren't up to date or the equipment is in the wrong place, lights don't meet the standards, etc. they will get a one or two star rating. In the same light an establishment that has poorer cleanliness will score higher if they have well maintained and fully up to date records as well as having the equipment in the correct locations.

Details of the scheme can be found here. If in doubt check the report but if an establishment is found to be unhygienic to the point of putting people at risk they don't get a zero star rating, they get investigated and at least partially shut down.

11th Oct 2014

I can see a lot of takeaways not being ordered tonight! lol

11th Oct 2014

This is very useful! I just checked my local takeaway from which I order once a week and it has a hygiene rating of 1! I feel sick to my stomach. Never ordering from there again. Wonder what made the council give such a low score. I will be enquiring further.

11th Oct 2014

I'm sure all of you have either been in an inspection environment or have heard of the environment it becomes when inspectors are meant to look the place over. Suddenly, you see staff doing things they never did before. Extra facilities are provided to customers, bosses start treating their staff more nicely etc etc. I personally don't believe in these inspections since they only take place every year or so and after the restaurant has gained their stars, so they could not care less again.

This is very useful! I just checked my local takeaway from which I order once a week and it has a hygiene rating of 1! I feel sick to my stomach. Never ordering from there again. Wonder what made the council give such a low score. I will be enquiring further.

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

Jakirrr21

This is very useful! I just checked my local takeaway from which I order … This is very useful! I just checked my local takeaway from which I order once a week and it has a hygiene rating of 1! I feel sick to my stomach. Never ordering from there again. Wonder what made the council give such a low score. I will be enquiring further.

if you click on the site it gives a single word explanation of the issues on three categories. you can get a copy of the report by asking for it from the council quoting freedom of information and paying a £ I think.

I did use that fish and chip shop. It was only opened a year ago and was reviewed by my council 2 months ago. I won't use it again !

11th Oct 2014

KFC in my town has a 5 star rating, I've seen squats with less sticky grime of the floors and furniture than it. I wonder if they reviewed it when it first opened. Shocking

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

the site will tell you when the place was reviewed.

11th Oct 2014

I can see a lot of takeaways not being ordered tonight! lol

11th Oct 2014

I'm sure all of you have either been in an inspection environment or have heard of the environment it becomes when inspectors are meant to look the place over. Suddenly, you see staff doing things they never did before. Extra facilities are provided to customers, bosses start treating their staff more nicely etc etc. I personally don't believe in these inspections since they only take place every year or so and after the restaurant has gained their stars, so they could not care less again.

11th Oct 2014

I think all or most KFC I have been in are all disgusting,dirty tables floors etc,dread to think what the kitchens are like

11th Oct 2014

I just checked my local takeaway its rated 2. What worries me is food hygiene and safety : poor. They have lost me for good.

11th Oct 2014

Well, there goes my plan for dinner. Guess I'll try the new place instead.....

Thanks, OP

11th Oct 2014

5* for my local, but that was 1st November 2013. Will check the updated rating in a few weeks.

I'm assuming it gets done yearly?

11th Oct 2014

I think you will find stars are based on paperwork........temperatures of fridges being recorded, labels on food etc etc.....if the boxes aren't ticked the stars are bad.

11th Oct 2014

Food hygiene is only scored if there books are kept up to date along with first aid book also

11th Oct 2014

jonnithomas

the site will tell you when the place was reviewed.

Just checked and it was when it reopened after a refurb...so I have been told. Due for a revisit me thinks, just as well I choose not to eat out especially on lazy cheat meal days. Then again what do you expect when you have kids that probably don't even know how to tidy their bedrooms or clean a bath working there.

11th Oct 2014

The Royal London Hospital's patient catering has been given a 5 by the Tower Hamlets Council. Obviously, if they gave a 1, nobody will go to that hospital. And the NHS and government will make people sicker and more ill.

11th Oct 2014

...or just look in the window before you walk through the door. Just a revolutionary thought...

11th Oct 2014

Elevation

...or just look in the window before you walk through the door. Just a … ...or just look in the window before you walk through the door. Just a revolutionary thought...

I thought they didn't have to display the rating even after inspection. So if there isn't one it could be they are awaiting inspection, or they are awful.

11th Oct 2014

brilliant thanks op

11th Oct 2014

I use this all the time. My boyfriend thinks im mad when i take ages cheking restaurants scores and trip advisor review s before we go out to dinner anywhere.

11th Oct 2014

Tiggiwiggi

I thought they didn't have to display the rating even after inspection. … I thought they didn't have to display the rating even after inspection. So if there isn't one it could be they are awaiting inspection, or they are awful.

So then from that sensible logic you would deduce if they don't want to display it it's obviously not going to be good - and avoid.

11th Oct 2014

They have to display on their door/window before you enter. They will lose a star for a cracked tile or paperwork not up to date. Also if it's under new management they have to wait for a new inspection, they cannot request one.

This info has has been available for a good few years. Always check before I eat just in case

11th Oct 2014

Elevation

So then from that sensible logic you would deduce if they don't want to … So then from that sensible logic you would deduce if they don't want to display it it's obviously not going to be good - and avoid.

No, sensible logic would deduce an option is that it may not have been inspected yet therefore may be perfectly safe. Not all establishments have been inspected yet, and not all of them have been inspected recently. A 5 from two or three years ago may not be an indication of current hygiene...even if it says so in the window.

11th Oct 2014

Just checked the one I go. It's got 4. Pretty pleased with that. Thanks OP

These ratings are not about how clean a place is, it is about how closely they abide by the regulations. You can and do get restaurants and takeaways that are absolutely spotless yet because their records aren't up to date or the equipment is in the wrong place, lights don't meet the standards, etc. they will get a one or two star rating. In the same light an establishment that has poorer cleanliness will score higher if they have well maintained and fully up to date records as well as having the equipment in the correct locations.

Details of the scheme can be found here. If in doubt check the report but if an establishment is found to be unhygienic to the point of putting people at risk they don't get a zero star rating, they get investigated and at least partially shut down.

11th Oct 2014

Surprised by some of the findings. (Won't name names).

One is an Indian Restaurant that's in the centre of my city, very swish inside, very popular: "Needs improvement".

Another is probably one of the skankiest chippies ever, and gets a "Pass".

Just shows you, you never can tell........

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

CMusic

I'm sure all of you have either been in an inspection environment or have … I'm sure all of you have either been in an inspection environment or have heard of the environment it becomes when inspectors are meant to look the place over. Suddenly, you see staff doing things they never did before. Extra facilities are provided to customers, bosses start treating their staff more nicely etc etc. I personally don't believe in these inspections since they only take place every year or so and after the restaurant has gained their stars, so they could not care less again.

some councils do their checks without any warning. I have run several businesses and been inspected several times. Some do simply knock on the door and ask to inspect you there and then.

its true that you can lose a star for something minor. (I was only given a 4 as I had the ice tongs in the ice bucket instead of separate, the inspector said is was a pity as my cellar and kitchen were the cleanest he had ever seen in a business) however if it's lower than 3 avoid as it really does mean issues.

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

Mattevansc3

The name of the deal is inaccurate and highly misleading.These ratings … The name of the deal is inaccurate and highly misleading.These ratings are not about how clean a place is, it is about how closely they abide by the regulations. You can and do get restaurants and takeaways that are absolutely spotless yet because their records aren't up to date or the equipment is in the wrong place, lights don't meet the standards, etc. they will get a one or two star rating. In the same light an establishment that has poorer cleanliness will score higher if they have well maintained and fully up to date records as well as having the equipment in the correct locations.Details of the scheme can be found here. If in doubt check the report but if an establishment is found to be unhygienic to the point of putting people at risk they don't get a zero star rating, they get investigated and at least partially shut down.

I'm sorry but you are wrong. If one or more of the minor violations you describe is found then the business may be given time to rectify it before the rating is given. A business can also request a re-inspection if they have completed improvements as well.

'A food safety officer inspects a business to check that it meets the requirements of food hygiene law. The officer is from the local authority where the business is located.

At the inspection, the officer will check:

how hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored the condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future'

11th Oct 2014

Brilliant, thank you.

11th Oct 2014

somethings are best not known!

if it tastes good, who cares

11th Oct 2014

for those concerned just watch a few episodes of masterchef. even these michelin star chefs are dripping body fluids on your food

its all part of eating out

Edited by: "peanuted" 11th Oct 2014

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

peanuted

somethings are best not known!if it tastes good, who cares

well.. not being pious but I had food poisoning a few years ago from a late nite takeaway. I never ate there again.

11th Oct 2014

Glad I dont eat out or get takeaways very often. Most around my area are improvement needed. Good to see some are a 5. Schools seems to be just a pass. I would have thought they would have had more of a rating. There are a few that are exempt for some reason. The cake makerbin the next street to me is exempt??

Edited by: "BIGD99" 11th Oct 2014

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

peanuted

for those concerned just watch a few episodes of masterchef. even these … for those concerned just watch a few episodes of masterchef. even these michelin star chefs are dripping body fluids on your food its all part of eating out

lol, I wouldn't recommend sending food back either. some chefs take it very personally. if you want to complain then thats good but don't have anything else to eat there ! I had one chef threaten me with a knife when I took a meal back to the kitchen; it was fun trying to fire him too

Original Poster

11th Oct 2014

peanuted

ah well, not all lost . your digestive immune system grew stronger from … ah well, not all lost . your digestive immune system grew stronger from that experience

sure, nearly died tho. ruined my xmas as well.

11th Oct 2014

I had food poisoning 18 months ago from dodgy chicken in a restaurant. The only good thing about it was I lost loads of weight haha but I honestly thought I was going to die! So this is brilliant, it'll put my mind at ease before I decide to eat anywhere now, so thank you

11th Oct 2014

heh one of my local takeaways is rated at 1. that seems strange as it only opened up recently after being burned down

11th Oct 2014

Been using this for a couple of months now, I've turned into 'THAT' person! Friend suggests I try local takeaway, I look up hygiene rating, its a 3 *sharp intake of breath* Oh, no. No no no no. Only 4 and 5 is good enough for me now!!